November 2000
Last year the Poppy Appeal raised over £18.7 million and included a record amount here in Chipperfield.
On entering the new Millennium, we reflect on those who made it possible for us to end this century in peace and freedom. It is also a time for expressing hope for the future. Hope that the damaging conflicts of the 20th century are not repeated and hope that we can move forward to a more stable and peaceful existence.
For the present, the needs of those who carry the physical and emotional scars of conflict continue to place considerable demands on the resources of the Poppy Appeal fund. With this in mind, please may I again call upon you to give generously when the Poppy Appeal collector knocks on your door. Remembrance Sunday falls on 12 November and there will be the short act of remembrance at the War Memorial on the Common at 10.55 am followed by the service in St. Paul’s Church.
Patrick Gardiner, Sec., British Legion
PEDESTRIAN SAFETY
Parking up on the pavement outside The Two Brewers presents a serious safety hazard for pedestrians, particularly those with push-chairs, as it is often necessary to move out into the road to pass by.
The matter has been discussed by the Parish Council and it is proposed to approach the County Council Highways Department to seek permission to place bollards along the pavement to prevent parking.
The Parish Council would like to know what support from residents there is for this proposal. If you have any comments for or against, please contact the Chairman, David Nobbs, on 269480.
PARISH COUNCIL NEWS
New Councillor
At its meeting on October 9, councillors formally welcomed Brenda BemersPrice as a co-opted member of the Parish Council to replace Neville Thomas who resigned in June. Brenda will serve on the Highways, Public Transport & Road Safety and the Open Spaces & Footpaths committees and also replace Neville as the Council’s representative for Chipperfield Care.
Presentation to Michael Home
Before the meeting a presentation was made to Michael Home, who has resigned, having been our Village Warden since the position was established in May 1997. Michael was thanked for the willing way he had undertaken his duties on behalf of the village and for the part he had played in the development of the role. He was given everyone’s best wishes in his new job.
The Village Chest
Councillors were updated on the latest position regarding the contributions from Village Day stallholders to the Village Chest. These have been held by the Parish Council on behalf of the Village Chest until all the contributions have been received. The last of these in fact only came in at the end of September. The statement in the July/August edition of Chipperfield News that £731 had been received by the Village Chest was intended to indicate that this sum was the total at that time being held by the Council on behalf of the Village Chest trustees. It is expected that the final sum collected will be passed to them and publicised immediately after the formal approval of its disbursement at the November Parish Council meeting.
The Parish Council also indicated that it was sympathetic to the views expressed by Mr. Briselden in his letter to the October edition of Chipperfield News suggesting that this might be an appropriate time for the trustees to review their decision to remain anonymous. David Nobbs, Chairman, Chipperfield Parish Council
RED CROSS COFFEE MORNING
It all started when Con Packford phoned and said “Would you take on the Red Cross coffee morning”. At that time it was held at Vera Thomas’ house and she did most of the arranging so I said “Yes”. Then Vera moved and the Chipperfield Cricket Club became a good central venue until last year, when access became limited. Then we were made very welcome at the Baptist Hall. John and I have some good memories over the last 10 years - Nell Berners Price dispensing coffee with a smile, Alec Cibula out in the cold selling his marvellous plants, Bill Fenning with her enthusiasm for selling raffle tickets, to name but a few - but all the helpers over the years have been marvellous and we could not have run it without them. This year we made £392.
Now we think the time has come for someone new to take over the Red Cross coffee morning. A very worthwhile cause and you would get help! If there is someone willing out there please phone 263920 for a chat. E. Foulgham
HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY
With the days getting shorter and the thermometer dropping, it’s clearing up time in the garden at the moment. Dahlias will be stored away in a frost- free place as soon as the frosts turn the foliage black to join the gladioli which have already been lifted. The greenhouse has received a good wash down so that all available light can reach the plants within and the autumn digging has proceeded whenever conditions allow.
In this age of instant gardening we are so used to purchasing our plants in containers that it is easy to forget that some are available bare rooted. It is also much cheaper and now is the best time to think about roses and fruit bushes in particular. They can be planted at any time during the dormant season so long as the ground is not frozen or waterlogged. If they do arrive and conditions are unfavourable, simply heel them in and await the arrival of better weather. The society has had the offer of roses at a discount price from Harkness Roses of Hitchin; if anyone is interested in seeing their catalogue, just give me a ring on 01923 268852 and I will make sure you get a copy.
We are still looking for a volunteer to run our Saturday shop, please let me know if you are interested.
John Hopkins. Wendy Bathurst
COMMON WALK-ABOUT
If you are interested in the management of The Common, do come to the public walk-about on Saturday 18 November. Cameron Lewis, the Woodland Officer with Dacorum Borough Council will conduct the walk and explain the work currently being undertaken and that planned for the next five years. Meet in the Church Car Park at 10.00am.
WOODLAND WARDENS
Cameron Lewis will be conducting a site and training meeting of volunteer Woodland Wardens on Chipperfield Common at 10.00am on Saturday 4 November. This scheme is operated in conjunction with the Trust for Conservation Volunteers and if you would like to know more or take part in the scheme, contact Cameron on 01442 228375.
THE DANCE PLACE SUMMER SCHOOL
Children from Chipperfield and surrounding villages were given the opportunity to learn all forms of stagecraft at the Summer School. Costumes were made and sets painted, all at the same time as they danced, sang and dramatised their own script, performing to parents and grandparents on the last day.
These children, and many more attending the weekly classes at The Dance Place, will be enjoying the fruits of their labours on Saturday 18 November at an annual presentation day. Some children will be performing extracts from their dance, drama and singing classes. If you have a child interested in joining any of these stage classes, why not come along and see what your children could be learning.
01923 269402.
WET WET WET
As I write these notes the rain is lashing down yet again and looking out of the patio windows I can see 8 soggy sheep busily grazing away, quite impervious to the conditions. If only I had such a good waterproof coat! On Sunday the 3 lambs are off to the butcher, then their mums will get 6 weeks rest before Jake visits them and the whole process starts again.
At this time of year our grass never seems to dry out as we are so sheltered from the wind and, as I hate wearing wellingtons, I always seem to have wet feet and socks. But our grass snakes will be enjoying it, especially as we do get some sunny days before their long winter hibernation. We have had more sitings of them this year than ever before and a neighbour who came to pick beans while we were away also saw one. Our best view was right against the bungalow on the terrace! I was just taking orders for afternoon tea when I saw something moving out of the corner of my eye in the planting hole of a jasmine. Seeing that it had been spotted, the snake slid along the bottom of the wall and around the corner to a water butt. As we gathered round for a closer look, the poor thing decided to make a dash for a safe spot and again shot off along the edge of the bungalow until it reached the porch wall where a stone bust of Joan of Arc rests in a small border. It was able to coil itself right under the bust and then just flicked its tongue out tasting the air for signs of danger. Snakes are quite deaf but their tongues are exceedingly sensitive and they are also aware of even the slightest vibration. By the time you read this they will be safely tucked away for their winter hibernation, either in one of my compost heaps or in one of our numerous wood stacks. We are now quite sure there are several in the garden as the one by the bungalow was very slender, whereas the one we have seen in the vegetable garden was almost too thick to go through the fruit cage netting. It will be interesting to see if we get the same number of frogs as usual in the spring as they make up the greater part of a grass snake’s diet.
SCHOOL REPORT
St. Paul’s Primary School
At the end of the summer term 2000, we at St Paul’s Primary School said goodbye to two members of the teaching staff. Miss Harris moved back to her home town in Devon, whilst Mrs. Jenkins started maternity leave. Both are greatly missed and we are immensely grateful to them for their contributions to the school during their time with us. Recently we were delighted to hear of the birth of Emily, daughter to Mr. and Mrs. Jenkins. I know that Christine is missing the day to day contact with the school but she is nevertheless enjoying a well-earned break from teaching.
At the same time we have welcomed Mrs. Jackson, Miss Brown and Miss Foster to the school. Our new colleagues have settled very quickly and we feel fortunate that we were able to recruit such talented and committed staff.
In the second half of the autumn term Her Majesty’s Inspectors will inspect the school. This is a thorough inspection lasting a total of five days. It will focus upon the standards of teaching and learning in the school as well as the way in which the school is led and managed. It will also look at how the school cares for the children and prepares them for the next stage of their schooling. Inevitably, the inspection places greater stress upon staff and governors than usual and we will all be pleased when it is over! However, we feel sure that the team will identify the strengths of the school and we hope that the continued hard work or staff, pupils, governors and parents receives due recognition and credit. Watch this space!
Lyndon Evans, Headteacher
LIFEBOAT APPEAL
The September house-to-house collection raised £441.46. Orders for Christmas items have so far amounted to a further £52.40. Very many thanks to all collectors, contributors and customers who have helped to achieve these excellent results. M. G. Newman, Honorary Secretary
ST PAUL’S SCHOOL AND SARACENS
Good news for all rugby enthusiasts - we are now participating in the Saracens cashback scheme. For every adult ticket purchased (priced at £10), you are given an Under 16’s ticket free, and 50% of all sales (after VAT) are donated to our school. It is an excellent way of increasing the funds available to our school and the pilot scheme last year was very successful.
If you are a rugby fan (or know anyone who is) and would like to combine your favourite pastime with helping to raise funds for your local school, then please contact our cashback co-ordinator on 01442 833473, who will be more than happy to supply tickets to you.
Home fixtures for December:
3rd v Northampton Saints
17th v NEC Harlequins
30th v Bath
Kick-off 3pm
A full fixture list is available from our co-ordinator upon request.
Don’t forget one U16 ticket FREE with every adult ticket purchased.
If you require more U16 tickets please ask as these can also be provided, sometimes free, subject to availability.
Calling all children!
COMPETITION TO DESIGN A POSTER
1st prize - Free tickets to the Panto for 2 adults and 2 children
In January, the Chipperfield Theatre Group will be performing their annual pantomime, Beauty and the Beast - The Panto, by David Swan. To help us advertise this production, we are running a competition for local children below the age of 12 years (at 31 December 2000) to design a poster for us.
1st Prize - 4 free tickets to the show and your poster will be used to promote the pantomime
2nd Prize - 4 free tickets to the show
3rd Prize - 2 free tickets to the show
All entries will be displayed in the Village Hall during the performances - Wednesday 17 to Saturday 20 January 2001.
An application form signed by a parent or guardian must accompany all poster entries. For an application form and full details please send a stamped addressed envelope by 17 November 2000 to John Oglesby, 4 Parker Street, Watford WD24 5EZ.
CHIPPERFIELD CRICKET CLUB
The first cricket season of the new Millennium proved a big disappointment for the club on the field. The first eleven, promoted to Division One of the Hertfordshire League at the end of 1999, won only one game and finished a long way adrift at the foot of the table. The second team fared little better. In winning two games, they finished one from bottom of Division Five. The third team, in Division Eleven, also won two games and finished third from bottom. The Sunday elevens met with more success and managed several victories between them. The highlight of the season was without doubt a superb win in the Becker Plate final played at Shenley. An excellent all-round team effort provided the club with a well- deserved victory over Premier Division Letchworth and showed just what the first eleven is capable of.
The club embarked on a first-ever tour to the Isle of Wight, but bad weather and late cancellations by opponents meant that only one match was completed.
Another highlight of the club’s season took place off the field rather than on it. The staging of the Ball in June as part of the village Millennium celebrations was a resounding success.
The Club has secured a grant from Dacorum Borough Council which will be used to provide new ground equipment, bowling machine and nets, also improvements to the pavilion. It is intended to make the pavilion a more convivial place to visit for that post-match beverage with friends - if you are not a member already, why not pop in next season and you will be made very welcome. John Goodman
Extension Fund Events:
We would like to thank Muriel Samworth for organising another marvellous Bridge Evening on 27 September. 70 participants enjoyed a delicious two-course meal between rubbers. Thank you also to all those who helped with the preparation, serving and clearing away.
Sponsored Bike Ride. Congratulations to all those who participated in the Historic Churches Trust Bike Ride on 9 September. Hugh Clifford led an ‘expert’ group round three churches in six hours and six families with children aged two to ten completed a slightly less challenging route round the Common. Thanks also to Ann Soanes for manning the church and providing the much- needed refreshments!
Remembering our loved ones
Remembrance Sunday comes around again and we remember those who died in the two world wars in our usual Act of Remembrance at the War Memorial and then in the traditional Remembrance Service in St Paul’s. In the evening there is an opportunity to remember other loved ones who have died, in a quiet candlelit service using music, prayers and readings from the Taizé Community for Reconciliation in France and from the lona Community in Scotland. During the service you are invited to light a candle in memory of those you love and place it on the altar. Angela Butler
I was most interested to read the article (September issue) on the danger to horses of the poisonous weed, ragwort. Until a few years ago I, too, would possibly have written an article in the same vein. However, my views on the ,subject have changed considerably of late.
For several years I have spent holidays at a farm on Chippenhall Common, near Fressingfield in Suffolk. Here, horses, donkeys and cattle graze all summer long amidst a positive sea of ragwort (and there’s no doubting it is ragwort). When I asked my farming hosts why the horses were not dropping down like flies, nor looking even remotely ill, but were in fact sturdy and robust, they indicated with a shrug of the shoulders and hand gestures that this was one of life’s little mysteries, and as far as they could see the animals left it strictly alone. They pointed out that this weed had spread uncontrollably in recent years and even if all the farmers in Christendom organised working parties the plants and its roots could never be eradicated.
My only thoughts on the subject are that it may be the highly bred horses which are susceptible, being reared in controlled grazing areas, whereas those of lower pedigree, grazing regularly amongst the weed, build up some immunity - or, as my hosts say, have simply come to avoid it. At the moment, as with the mysterious grass sickness, there seems to be no immediate answer.
In the summer months, particularly at the week-ends, we see many vehicles parked in every possible place in the central part of Chipperfield. It has been customary to attribute this inconsiderate parking to visitors; however I observe increasingly, and not at week-ends, that local people park on the grass strip alongside St Paul’s Church, even when the car parks and the road have free space.
For many generations, Chipperfield people have enjoyed the lovely surroundings in which we live. Is it really our wish that we should permit our village to be spoiled by the inconsiderate actions of the few? Furthermore, when visitors see how some local people behave, then they follow that example, as we witnessed last winter when heavy trucks ploughed deep furrows in many of our grass verges. Perhaps I am alone in my concern, but I fear that if inconsiderate behaviour by local people continues, and no corrective action is taken, then ours will be the last generation to enjoy the present attractions of Chipperfield Common. Donald Main
YOUR CHANCE TO BE A THEATRE CRITIC!
If you are interested in the theatre, and feel you could write a short review on Hedda Gabler, please contact Anne Breen on 01923 267947 as soon as possible. Two complementary tickets are available in return for a review of the play for publication in next month’s Chipperfield News.